Walkin’onSunshineSun&SurfCircuitRidestheCrestoftheWaveAgainfor2016

Hearing exhibitors singing praises for Sun & Surf Circuit, the four day, six show AQHA California celebration, is part of our West Coast show culture every year.

So it was no big surprise to see the overwhelming positivity emerging after this year’s show from May 19 - 22, 2016 in Del Mar.

The event boasted over 6,000 entries this May, but that’s not the sole reason for the allure of the annual circuit, especially at a place known for fun in the sun.

“The weather was really nice this year, and the facility has lots of arenas, so it’s a great place to work your horse outside, especially for our exhibitors who come from out of state,” says Clay MacLeod, Show Manager. “The facility is a very short distance to the beach, and Del Mar is basically a resort community, so it’s fun for exhibitors to enjoy the amenities.”

“Because there are no lights, the scheduling of classes must end early, which we all like, because we are able to take advantage of the great restaurants at the beach,” adds trainer Kelley Roberts.

Besides the fun of escaping to a great California getaway in conjunction with everyone’s other favorite vacation, a horse show, plenty of additional perks added to everyone’s enjoyment. “I love the facility--it's super easy to see what's going on in the arenas from our stalls, the grounds are always maintained and it's a very pretty setting. The weather can sometimes turn cold and windy but this year it was beautiful from start to finish. Del Mar puts everyone in a good mood and it feels very friendly and laid back,” says amateur Bonnie Sheren.

“There were great horses and fun people to show with! The exhibitor parties were cool, too – a very nice way to slow down after a long day of showing.” says amateur Kathryn Mitchell.

Running Like ClockworkWhile Sun & Surf has always been a well-organized event, one positive alteration caused a great impact, and it was not lost on the exhibitors. The hiring of a new secretary to handle all office matters was a huge plus, explains MacLeod. “Mark Harrell Horse Shows are extremely up-to-date, and their handling of the office was extremely efficient. Everyone really appreciated it because of perks like no lines in the office.”

Trainer Kellie Hinely appreciated the communication provided, too. “Mark Harrell's group did an excellent job posting draw orders on Facebook the night before the show and the announcer would announce the circuit award winners within 5 minutes of the class ending.”

“I felt the show was exceptionally run this year. I do trail and sometimes with all the conflicts there are problems in the trail arena,” Sheren agreed. “But this year it ran very smoothly and my stress level was way down!”

First-Class CompetitionBesides the usual high caliber of competitiveness at Sun & Surf, exhibitors also saw an upswing in entries and futurity money. “We added more prize money to the trail futurity for 2016, and of course, trail is always a big draw in California; we went from approximately 8 entries last year, to 24 entries this year,” says MacLeod.

Kathryn Mitchell flew in for western riding, and she was pleased with the outcome, since amateur western riding saw 18 entries and senior boasted 28 entries. “The amateur western riding was probably the biggest I have seen on the West Coast in a long time. I picked up some nice points in the amateur with my gelding The Vital Invitation, and my trainer Kellie Hinely picked up some in the senior as well.”

Even though plenty of exhibitors came from all over to participate in this celebrated California event, the Golden State barns demonstrated their usual fierce competitiveness. While not a complete list, some California barn highlights are offered below:

In the Hinely group, Joann Niffenegger won the Select all around. Alessandra Ehrle won the lucky exhibitor drawing for the Harris saddle as well as tying for the Novice Youth all around. Kathryn Mitchell and Joann Niffenegger were 3 and 4th respectively in the non pro trial futurity, and the barn had over 10 circuit and reserve circuit awards.

Roberts’ barn highlights included Reserve All-around Select Amateur Kim Portney and Lopin Down the Lane as well as Reserve Circuits in Showmanship and Trail. Kim was also Reserve Champion in the 3 year old Non-pro Futurity with her horse Whiskey in the Dark. I Whiza Gangsta and Dan Houck earned circuit Champions Novice Am and Amateur Ranch Riding, Tag Yer Shiney and Gary Roberts were Reserve Circuit Champion Ranch Riding. Jean Swiss and A Blazing Reflection earned a lot of wins and points in the Select Trail, western Riding and horsemanship as well as Susan Wilson and her horse Lazy Rocker in Select Trail.

Bonnie Sheren, who rides with High Point Performance Horses, showed two horses in the Select Trail and Western Riding, placing in the trail on Dun In The Dark and picking up a few points. “In the select western riding I actually tied for Circuit Champion with myself! I won it on the tiebreaker with Dun In the Dark and was reserve on Corporate Credit. And I qualified both horses for the World show in Western Riding!” she exclaims.

More Than Just an Ordinary ShowIn addition to all the usual expectations at a renowned circuit, exhibitors experienced youth-hosted events with a welcoming feel.

“I would like to extend a special thank you to Clay MacLeod for allowing the PCQHYA youth group to have their tack sale and ice cream social,” says Hinely. Mitchell adds, “We raised over $2000 for the youth team – it goes towards the scholarship fund and YES conference. They had both consignments and donations on sale, and will be doing more events like this at future shows.”

Finally, the circuit continued their excellence of award selection. “We loved all the awards that were available to pick from and they had great awards and turnout for their NSBA classes,” reveals Mitchell.

“Our sponsors and exhibitors know we don’t cut corners and they know it’s expensive to put on a quality show, and they are willing to support the show. They appreciate going to a place where they get nice prizes and where we really try to do what’s best for the exhibitors. The sponsorships help defray the costs, and we’re truly grateful for every one of our sponsors.”

Below are the high point results for the circuit! Full results for the show, including futurity and class placings, are online at: www.markharrellhorseshows.com .